Nickie Aiken MP receives Freedom of the City of London
Nickie Aiken MP has been honored with the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of her extensive service to the governance of the capital. This recognition is a testament to her dedication, which began as a councillor in Westminster and continues today as a Member of Parliament for the Cities of London and Westminster.
The nomination for this prestigious award came from Lord Mayor Professor Michael Mainelli and Chris Hayward, the City Corporation’s Policy Chairman. Nickie Aiken’s parliamentary journey commenced in December 2019, representing the Cities of London and Westminster.
Before her parliamentary career, she held successful roles in public relations and communications. In 2006, she was elected to Westminster City Council and later became its Leader in 2017. This year, she assumed the position of Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party Board, following her previous roles as Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party, Vice-Chair of the Conservative Party, and Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Ministerial Team at the Department for Housing, Communities, and Local Government.
Furthermore, Nickie Aiken currently holds several Vice-Chair positions in All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs), including those related to Antisemitism, Cycling and Walking, Menopause, Political Literacy, Renters and Rental Reform, Theatre, Ticket Abuse, and is Co-Chair of the APPG for Medical Cannabis under Prescription. She is also a member of the APPGs for London as a Global City, United Nations Women, and Women’s Health.
Lord Mayor Professor Michael Mainelli expressed his privilege in awarding Nickie the Freedom in recognition of her dedicated public service, particularly highlighting her advocacy for women’s rights, menopause awareness, and fertility treatment. City Corporation Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, commended her work on child safety, women’s equality, and support for private renters, emphasizing the high regard in which she is held.
Nickie Aiken MP expressed her immense privilege at receiving the Freedom of the City and her deep connection to the Square Mile. She also noted the historical significance of being the first woman to represent the City in Parliament since its establishment in 1298.
The Freedom of the City of London is a centuries-old tradition, dating back to 1237, allowing recipients to carry out their trade. It is conferred by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a tribute for their exceptional contributions to London or public life, or to celebrate significant achievements. Recent notable recipients of this honor include Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert, Harry Kane, Sir Cameron Mackintosh, and Amy Lamé, among others.